R9J02G012 controller enables device-to-device authentication
The R9J02G012 USB Power Delivery (USB PD) controller is the first USB power delivery controller to supporting both USB PD Rev. 3.0 and USB Type-C authentication Rev 1.0 in a single package, says Renesas Electronics.
The R9J02G012 USB PD controller is intended for use in a range of USB PD products employing direct current (DC) power, including alternating current (AC) adapters, personal computers (PCs), smartphones, other consumer and office equipment, and toys. The R9J02G012 is believed to be the industry’s first single package solution that supports both USB Power Delivery Rev. 3.0 (USB PD 3.0) and USB Type-C authentication Rev 1.0, which enables device-to-device authentication.
The demand for fast charging mobile devices is driving demand for high DC power delivery (e.g. 100W). Previously, system manufacturers implemented proprietary fast-charging methods using USB Micro-B connectors. However, due to recent smartphone charging/battery incidents, it is critical to offer a safe ecosystem of USB PD-compatible products. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has standardised specifications to provide open, unified and interoperable technologies. Measures include the USB Type-C Rev 1.2 Specificatio, for simpler, easier physical connection of cables, chargers and devices, the USB Power Delivery Rev 3.0 Specification, for higher power delivery protocols with additional performance, safety and upgradability features like PD firmware update, the USB Type-C Authentication Rev 1.0 Specification, for device-to-device authentication. This allows system manufacturers to implement additional charging policies for trusted high-power charging over USB Type-C.
The R9J02G012 is a flexible, small-package USB PD controller for USB Type-C port control on any USB PD devices. All connecting ports to USB PD devices with the R9J02G012 will be able to electronically verify and trust its authenticity, based on the certificates and public key infrastructure (PKI) defined in the USB Type-C Authentication specification. This allows system manufacturers to implement policies to examine the origin of connected PD devices, such as cables and chargers, before a high-power charge is executed.
The R9J02G012 provides support for USB PD 3.0 and USB Type-C Authentication to identify genuine or counterfeit devices. Renesas has incorporated tamper-resistant technology and information management technology to prevent security attack attempts on microcontrollers (MCUs). Renesas has adopted these technologies for the R9J02G012.
The R9J02G012 integrates support for the USB PD 3.0 and USB Type-C Authentication standards in a single package; previously each required a separate chip. It is available in an easy-to-mount QFN package as well as the BGA package, to reduce the mounting area in cables or electronic devices. The board mounting area is less than 50 per cent the area required when using the existing Renesas R9A02G011.
The R9J02G012 also supports the Power Delivery Firmware Update (PDFU) Specification, Revision 1.0. This optional PD feature is an open standard enabling firmware updates of the device via a USB Type-C cable.
Mass production is scheduled to begin January 2018. Renesas plans to expand its range of reference designs for applications such as USB Type-C power banks and mobile batteries by combining the R9J02G012 with power products from Renesas and Intersil (acquired by Renesas in February 2017). With the introduction of the R9J02G012, system manufacturers can construct a trusted power charging ecosystem of USB PD products, based on the USB PD and USB Type-C Authentication standards.
